Apr 26th, 2010
by rabbifink.
Sometimes you read something and you just need to share it. I read about teaching Philosophy to 2nd graders last week.
I LOVE this idea.
The NY Times ran a story last week about a new program at a Massachusetts charter school teaching 2nd graders philosophy.
There are not learning the nuances of the different techniques of philosophers. What they are doing is learning how to have open ended discussions about debatable ideas. So much of school is learning the right answer to a specific question. We are taught at a very young age to figure out what the teacher wants us to say, and then to say it.
Even critical thinking is just a mask for “critically thinking the way the teacher wants you to think”. (more…)
Sep 14th, 2009
by rabbifink.
This week we learned about the actual nature of the judgment of Rosh Hashana.
Using a unique approach from Rav Dessler, we resolved a difficult contradiction in Jewish philosophy and enjoyed great questions and insight from all the attendees.
This was our final class in the Preparing for Rosh Hashana Series.
All audio classes are available by clicking podcasts on the top of this page. Or just click here.
You can also subscribe to all classes in iTunes by clicking here.
Listen to the class here.
Sep 7th, 2009
by rabbifink.
This essay was inspired by a recent post on DovBear. I have cross posted this post there as well. Head over there for more discussion.
What follows is my understanding of The Oral Law and its transmission to us. This article does not attempt to validate or prove its transmission as fact, rather it explains just what is being transmitted when we refer to Torah SheBaal Peh (TSBP).
I am sure there are plenty of maamarei Chazal that are not 100% congruent with this approach. I am also sure that there are many maamarei Chazal that do jive with this approach. I have spent many hours studying and analyzing the concept of TSBP and what follows is what I believe to be a rational, coherent, non-apologetic approach. (more…)
Sep 2nd, 2009
by rabbifink.
As we continue our journey through Elul, marching towards Rosh Hashana, Connections returned the Pacific Jewish Center.
Our approach was that if we are “preparing” for Rosh Hashana, we need to understand just what Rosh Hashana means. What is a succesful Rosh Hashana and how do we get there?
We analyzed one angle of Rosh Hashana that can help us this year on Rosh Hashana and throughout the year.
All audio classes are available by clicking podcasts on the top of this page. Or just click here.
You can also subscribe to all classes in iTunes by clicking here. (more…)
Aug 12th, 2009
by rabbifink.
This post has been cross-posted to DovBear – more discussion there.
The topic of mesira is complex. I do not claim expertise on the subject of who is a moser, but I have heard a discourse from an expert on Jewish and American Law named Rabbi Breitowitz. Aside from teaching law at University of Maryland, Rabbi Breitowitz is a practicing Rabbi in Silver Spring Maryland. When I lived in Baltimore, I heard Rabbi Breitowitz speak on the topic of mesira and I was able to find the same speech online to refresh my memory.
This is my basic understanding of his take on mesira. (more…)
Aug 1st, 2009
by rabbifink.
As a Law Student, there are things I find interesting that may not interest “clients” (non-Lawyers, hehe). The following article interests me and will probably interest any lawyer or law student, anyone Jewish, or anyone that has been following the Gates Saga.
I invite you to contribute your opinion in the comments.
The article originally appeared in this week’s Jewish Press as an OP-ED. The writer is Nathan Lewin (read more about him here).
(more…)
Jun 24th, 2009
by rabbifink.
I have had so many conversations about the issue posed today on ParshaBlog.
A couple weeks ago the Chinuch Roundtable in the Yated dealt with this as well. We have become the Segulah Generation. We look for shortcuts and magic to avoid the effort involved in Personal Growth.
In short Messilas Yesharim > Segulahs. But Segulahs tempt us with their instant gratification, no effort results.
I urge everyone to read the article on ParshaBlog. (more…)
May 18th, 2009
by rabbifink.
The third and final class in a very exciting series concluded our preparations for Shavuos.
Catch up by listening to Part 1 and Part 2.
Today we sought to resolve the burning question we began our series with. Why is Talmud study the focus of Torah scholarship? Why do Yeshiva students spend the bulk of their time studying Talmud? Why is Talmud our connection to the Oral Law transmission?
Those questions plus much more are covered in this week’s class.
The participants truly challenged me and asked some really great questions today. As always your attendance and contributions are much appreciated.
Click the link to listen to the class. (more…)
May 12th, 2009
by rabbifink.
Happy Lag B’Omer.
We had a great turnout this week despite the fact that we lost some attendees to Lag B’Omer celebrations this week.
This week Connections was the second of a series of classes about the history, philosophy, structure and benefits to Torah study.
In preparation for Shavuos, when the Jewish people accepted the Torah, this was the perfect time for the series.
Tonight we did a quick review of last week, though listening online would be a better option. You will get the full picture that way.
Our journey this week took us from the writing of the Mishna through the the beginnings of the formation of the Talmud.
There was a great discussion about “machlokes” and the differing opinions among Tanaic and Amoraic literature.
To be continued next week. See you there (or here).
Click through to listen to the class.
(more…)
May 5th, 2009
by rabbifink.
I stumbled upon this video on Facebook.
Once in a while I see a video that really makes me think. This is a video that makes me think.
Once in a while I see a video that reinforces a Torah idea that I heard or read. This is video that does just that.
After you watch the video I want to share a deep insight I heard about history. The video emphasizes the point so check out the video first. You can watch the video right here on the blog.
Just press play!
(more…)
May 5th, 2009
by rabbifink.
This week Connections was the first of a series of classes about the history, philosophy, structure and benefits to Torah study.
In preparation for Shavuos, when the Jewish people accepted the Torah, this was the perfect time to begin the series.
This class is the foundation for the next few classes so I highly recommend checking it out. The reviews of the class were great and we hope more people will join us next week.
Our discussion ranged from history of the Jewish people, the connection between the spiritual and material world, astrology and much, much more.
Looking forward to next week. See you there (or here).
Click through to listen to the class right now.
(more…)
Dec 22nd, 2008
by rabbifink.
Today I gave a lecture for a local Aish Campus retreat. My friends Rabbi Bloom and Rabbi Quinn run Aish Campus in Los Angeles and they invited me to give a 2 part lecture on the Introduction to and Philosophy of Talmud.
Today we had a very engaging session with a lot of great questions. We covered some very interesting ideas which are central to Torah study and understanding how our forefathers kept Torah before it was given to the world at Sinai many years later…
Just click the audio player to listen to the lecture (40 minutes).
[audio=http://werejustbetter.com/pjc/Intro_to_Talmud_1.mp3] Download
Part 2 is posted here.
Sometimes you read something and you just need to share it. I read about teaching Philosophy to 2nd graders last week.
